77: King vs King

Chapter 77: King vs. King

After listening to the Dean, Arthur asked in confusion, "Isn't the Bull Family at odds with those Calimshan refugees?"

The Dean explained, "Indeed, but the two sides have been fighting for nearly a hundred years, and their relationship has been good and bad.

"Marriage is sometimes a temporary measure to achieve peace.

"Anyway, if you take this ring back to them, you will be heavily rewarded."

He paused, then continued, "Also, with this letter, near the border of Qingfeng Valley and the Calimshan refugee territory, there is a large community.

"It's called Whispering Place. Take this letter there, and they will be happy to help you, brother."

Arthur put away the letter and thanked him again.

"You're welcome, brother. We should help each other, especially since you have given me a generous gift.

"But there is one thing I must warn you about: you killed Henry's attendant, and that fellow will not let it go easily."

Arthur shrugged, "I have repeatedly avoided him, but he still pressed on.

"In that case, there's nothing more to say.

"But I'm more worried about you all.

"Once he comes to his senses, he might turn his attention to you."

"Haha, don't worry about us.

"I am not fighting alone; Mother Earth is always with me.

"Besides, Mud Town is also our ally.

"And, thanks to your help in getting rid of Mad Dog Kenny, we can now focus on dealing with Henry."

"May earth mother bless you," Arthur said.

"May earth mother bless you." The Dean responded with the same prayer. The next morning, the expedition left the monastery.

Although the road was muddy and difficult, Arthur knew it was not wise to stay there long, and he resolutely decided to set off as soon as possible.

In two or three more days, heading southeast, they would reach the Bull Family's territory.

By then, they would be free from Henry.

The convoy slowly moved forward on the bumpy, muddy road.

To speed up their progress, Iron Shovel decisively ordered some people to go ahead with tools to fill the road, and arranged for others to help push the carts.

Although it was tough, no one complained.

Everyone was determined and hopeful. Arthur took a few trusted men and rode ahead to Field Mouse Village—at the convoy's speed, they would likely arrive near dusk.

They reached the village at noon, with Henry having arrived before him.

His servant, upon seeing Arthur and his group, hurried to report.

Arthur reined in his horse and waited, but Henry did not come out.

The servant emerged from the village tavern and said, "Young Master Arthur, my master invites you in to speak."

"Tell him to come out and speak!" Arthur barked coldly, "Otherwise, go back."

The servant looked troubled. Just as he turned to re-enter the tavern, Henry walked out.

"My dear brother, it's been three years since we last met, hasn't it?" the Lord of Black Marsh sighed.

He had no intention of stepping into the mud.

He simply stood at the tavern entrance, looking coldly at Arthur and his group.

When he saw Godwin, a flash of realization crossed his eyes, and he muttered to himself, "That explains it, that explains it."

"Yes, I heard you were ill and couldn't attend the inauguration ceremony of the New Temple.

"Now it seems your complexion is quite good," Arthur said indifferently.

Drax immediately spurred his horse forward, charging straight towards the tavern.

Orcs were already tall, and he was riding a sturdy draft horse.

So when he charged, his momentum was terrifying.

This forced all of Henry's hidden subordinates out of their hiding spots.

"A big gift for you!" Arthur shouted loudly.

Henry raised his hand, signaling the crossbowmen on the roof not to act rashly.

Just as the orc rode past him, a head was thrown violently onto the ground.

The head rolled, finally stopping at Henry's feet, startling him into taking a disgusted step back. He looked closely and realized it was Mad Dog Kenny's head.

Arthur lightly nudged his horse forward, approaching the tavern, "I helped you deal with a group of bandits. This head is for you to claim a reward.

"Oh, your welcoming ceremony is quite grand.

"Anyone who didn't know better would think you were setting an ambush."

Henry suppressed his anger. He ordered his servant to pick up the head and replied, "Times are not peaceful lately.

"Last night, a petty thief infiltrated my mansion.

"I have to be careful.

"I accept your gift. Since that's the case, why don't you rest at my place? I can fulfill my duties as a host."

Arthur dismounted and strode over to his brother.

With a smile on his face, he warned in a low voice, "Listen carefully, Henry.

"I know what you're plotting, and I know all the unspeakable deeds you've done.

"I don't care about any of that. But there's one thing: if you provoke me again, I promise I'll make you regret it.

"Think about it. Since I could leave a letter in your house, I can do a lot more.

"If you don't believe me, you can try."

Henry scoffed in response, "You're overthinking, Arthur.

"I'm your brother, how could I possibly harm you?

"Do you remember Father's teachings? A wolf pack is only truly formidable when united.

And you're going to Qingfeng Valley, which is as good as dead.

"Why would I bother provoking a dying man?"

"Alright, then let's wait and see."

Henry chuckled a few times and ordered his servant to prepare a carriage.

Before leaving, he turned to Godwin and asked, "Ernest, are you coming with me?

"As long as you come, I'll let bygones be bygones and reward you handsomely."

Godwin gave a cold smile, "Thank you for your kindness, sir, but I have already found a wise lord worth following."

Henry looked at Arthur in confusion, then laughed, "Wise lord? Him? Hahaha, Ernest, I think you're blind.

"Is it worth going to Qingfeng Valley to die with him?"

"It's worth it," Godwin replied without hesitation, "Better than staying by the side of a treacherous villain."

"Idiot!" Henry cursed angrily and stormed off.

Ingabado awoke in endless thirst. He struggled to crawl out of the pile of corpses.

He stumbled into a nearby puddle and frantically gulped down the dirty water.

But no matter how much he drank, the feeling of thirst did not subside at all.

He was full of confusion until he accidentally caught sight of his reflection in the water, and then he understood.

His flesh was burned black like charcoal, completely disfigured.

"No, no—" He let out a painful roar.

The residual energy of the ritual had actually transformed him into an undead creature, a cruel reality he found difficult to accept.

"Ar-Arthur—" A muffled groan escaped his throat.

Driven by thirst and hatred, Ingabado dragged his broken body and began to move forward.

Three days later, the expedition finally entered the Bull Family's territory.

The journey had been surprisingly peaceful; perhaps Arthur's warning had worked, or Henry had another scheme.

Godwin slowed his horse, gradually falling to the rear of the convoy.

He looked at the Evil Wolf Family's outpost on the border, his expression complex.

Jessica, who was bringing up the rear, saw this and rode up beside him, asking, "Sir, is something wrong?"

Godwin shook his head, "Henry is a vengeful person. For him to let us leave his territory so easily...

"I imagine he has set a trap elsewhere, but I am too dull to figure out what trick he might play."

Jessica heard this and comforted him, "But we still have the Lord, perhaps he has already received divine revelation."

Godwin sighed and said, "We cannot rely on divine revelation for everything.

"What if the Lord isn't around one day? What then?"

Jessica had also considered this question. She said seriously, "Then we do our best and leave the rest to fate."